Latest news with #PhilippineStatisticsAuthority
The Star
14 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Fewer weddings, more live-ins: Filipino families are changing and the numbers prove it
MANILA: More Filipino couples are skipping the altar — and it's not just a passing trend. Key trends from the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) civil registration and vital statistics data featured in a recent report by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) point to a quiet but sweeping transformation in how Filipinos define commitment, family and stability. In 2022, the country saw a sharp post-pandemic rebound in weddings: 449,428 couples married, up 25.9 per cent from 356,839 in 2021. But the surge didn't last. The following year, marriages dropped by 7.8 per cent to 414,213. For 2024, provisional data shows a much steeper decline, with only 320,524 weddings recorded for the entire year based on data available as of April 30, 2025 — a 22.6 per cent drop compared to the previous year. The numbers showed the trend is not isolated. It reflects deep social changes: more couples are living together without marrying, more children are being born outside of wedlock and more young Filipinos say marriage can wait — or may not happen at all. 'The decline in marriages reflects changing realities as families of today come in many forms,' said CPD Executive Director Undersecretary Lisa Grace S. Bersales. 'While we uphold marriage as a sacred institution, we must also protect couples who choose alternative arrangements and ensure the welfare of every individual, ensuring no family is left behind in our nation's development,' Bersales added. The decline in formal marriages is mirrored by the growing prevalence of live-in arrangements. According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the proportion of women aged 15 to 49 who were cohabiting or living with their partners as if married quadrupled over three decades, from just five per cent in 1993 to 19 per cent in 2022. Among the youth, the shift is even more striking. The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) found that 12 per cent of Filipinos aged 15–24 — roughly 2.4 million young people — were already living with a partner outside of marriage A prior report by the CPD provides deeper insight into this shift. Citing the study 'Unearthing Perspectives in Nuptiality and Cohabitation: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Narratives of Women Aged 20–29 in Selected Urban and Rural Areas in the Philippines,' the agency observed that while many Filipinos, especially young women, still aspire to marry someday, cohabitation often emerges as the more practical choice. Economic realities contribute heavily to this trend, particularly among young and low-income Filipinos. As demographer Dr. Jeofrey Abalos observed, cohabitation is often viewed as a 'poor man's marriage' — a way to build a family without the financial and social costs tied to formal unions. Meanwhile, factors such as the high cost of weddings, lack of familial support, or the absence of legal options — particularly for marginalised groups — frequently lead couples to delay or forego marriage altogether. The CPD also noted that, beyond economic and structural concerns, more personal and social factors increasingly shape the choice to cohabit. These include romantic motivations, such as the desire to test compatibility before committing; premarital pregnancy, which often hastens union without formal marriage; and childhood or past trauma, which can make individuals wary of formal marital structures. The report further cited logistical barriers, like living far from parents or religious institutions; influences from social media, which normalise non-traditional relationships; and contradictions in religious teachings, where spiritual beliefs sometimes clash with lived realities. 'These emerging patterns in nuptiality and cohabitation require intervention through creation and adoption of programs and policies that can strengthen the families regardless of the marital status of couples,' the CPD said. 'A holistic approach and policies… would respond to social shifts that may enable an environment and communities where families may thrive,' they added. Contrary to popular belief that June is the Philippines' favorite wedding month, February has consistently recorded the highest number of marriages in recent years. PSA's data showed that in 2023, the country registered 52,501 marriages in February, accounting for 12.7 per cent of the annual total. June, long considered the traditional wedding season, came in third with 43,295 weddings, just behind December, which posted 43,966. The trend continued into 2024. According to a separate provisional PSA data, February again topped the list with 45,199 marriages, followed by June (43,922) and April (32,609). The least number of weddings occurred in November, with just 13,463 — a consistent pattern across both years. In terms of regional distribution, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) consistently led as the top wedding hotspot, recording 60,541 marriages in 2023, or 14.6 per cent of the national total. This was followed by the National Capital Region (51,892) and Central Luzon (47,684). On the other end of the spectrum, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the lowest number of weddings at 2,162. The nature of wedding ceremonies has shifted, too. Civil ceremonies accounted for 42.9 per cent of all marriages (177,627) in 2023, slightly down from 43.3 per cent in 2022. Roman Catholic weddings made up 31.4 per cent (130,170), and other religious rites comprised 23.5 per cent (97,538). Muslim and tribal ceremonies made up 1.5 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively. Though official data and reports did not elaborate on the reasons behind this preference, civil weddings are generally more affordable and accessible, making them a practical option for couples navigating financial constraints, lack of family approval, or interfaith considerations. While the number of formal marriages in the Philippines is declining overall, a persistent pattern remains — young girls are still disproportionately entering marriage compared to their male peers. In 2023, 12,630 adolescent females under age 20 were married, based on PSA figures. That number is four times higher than adolescent males who got married (3,058). Over half of these girls (54 per cent) married men aged 20 to 24, and 22.5 per cent married men aged 25 to 29. Despite this, there are signs that attitudes among the younger generation are shifting. According to a survey by data science and analytics firm Arkipelago Analytics, most Gen Z Filipinos (aged 13 to 28) who plan to marry prefer to do so after age 35. Respondents pointed to career goals, emotional readiness, and financial independence as their top considerations for delaying marriage. Although marriage continues to hold cultural importance in the Philippines, it is increasingly viewed, especially by younger generations, as a personal decision rather than an expected milestone in life. 'The findings indicate that Gen Z Filipinos are approaching marriage with greater intentionality,' said Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, founder of Arkipelago Analytics. 'Rather than following traditional timelines, many are prioritising emotional readiness, personal goals, and long-term compatibility.' More children in the Philippines were born to unwed parents than to legally married couples in 2023, according to PSA data. A total of 842,728 births were recorded to parents not in formal union, surpassing the 605,794 births from couples who were legally married. This shift reflects a growing prevalence of non-traditional family arrangements, where formal marriage is no longer a prerequisite for family formation. While the data does not specify the reasons behind this trend, it coincides with the broader rise in cohabitation across the country, especially among young adults and women of reproductive age. Adding complexity to this evolving picture is the alarming rise in early adolescent pregnancies, as flagged by the CPD earlier this year. Citing PSA data, the agency reported a 6.6 per cent increase in live births among very young adolescent girls under age 15, from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023. The agency emphasised that this trend represents a serious concern, especially given the extreme vulnerability of children in this age group. The CPD also noted that repeat pregnancies remain a major issue. In 2023, 38 girls under 15 were reported to have had repeat pregnancies, while 17 young women below 20 had already given birth five times or more. 'We call for urgent action on this issue given that it affects the health and well-being of this segment of the population, who will be the future workforce of the country,' Bersales said in a statement. 'This will significantly impact on the gains from demographic dividend, a condition where the country gains traction for economic growth, since the population is mostly made up of working ages 15-64,' she added. The agency underscored that the rising number of births among minors, particularly those aged 10 to 14, is in an 'alarming state that needs a more responsive policy.' The consequences of early childbearing, it warned, are far-reaching: disrupting girls' education, exposing them to long-term health risks, and limiting their economic opportunities. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
SWS: Hunger among PH families up slightly to 20% in end-April 2025
Filipino families who experienced involuntary hunger rose slightly to 20% towards the end of April 2025, according to results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released Saturday. The latest figure was seen by SWS in its first quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey conducted from April 23 to 28, 2025. The polling firm defines involuntary hunger as "being hungry and not having anything to eat – at least once in the past three months." The latest hunger rate was slightly higher than the 19.1% seen in the previous April 11 to 15, 2025 survey, following an 8.1-point decline from 27.2% in March 2025. The first quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults, 18-year-olds and above, nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon (or areas in Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. The sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages, ±4% in Balance Luzon, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The area estimates were weighted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) medium-population projections for 2025 to obtain the national estimates, according to SWS. Survey questions The exact phrasing of the survey questions in Filipino were as follows: On hunger: "Nitong nakaraang tatlong buwan, nangyari po ba kahit minsan na ang inyong pamilya ay nakaranas ng gutom at wala kayong makain?" (OO, HINDI) (In the last three months, did it happen even once that your family experienced hunger and did not have anything to eat? (YES, NO)) If experienced hunger: "Nangyari po ba 'yan ng MINSAN LAMANG, MGA ILANG BESES, MADALAS, o PALAGI? (Did it happen ONLY ONCE, A FEW TIMES, OFTEN, or ALWAYS?)" Moderate, severe hunger SWS explained that the 20% hunger rate during the latest survey period is the sum of 16.4% who experienced "moderate hunger" and 3.6% who experienced "severe hunger." Moderate hunger refers to those who experienced hunger "only once" or "a few times" in the last three months. On the other hand, severe hunger refers to those who experienced it "often" or "always" in the previous three months. SWS also found that hunger was highest in Mindanao at 26.3% of families, followed by Metro Manila at 20.3%, the Visayas at 19.7%, and Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila) at 17% Compared to the April 11 to 15, 2025 survey, the incidence of hunger fell by 5.7 points from 26% in Metro Manila, and by 3.5 points from 20.5% in Balance Luzon. However, it rose by 9.0 points from 17.3% in Mindanao, and by 5.4 points from 14.3% in the Visayas. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
25-06-2025
- General
- GMA Network
Teaching not a typical a 9-to-5 job: Inside the life of a young educator
Just two years into the teaching profession, Dan Laurenz Sipalay already carries the weight of what most would consider a veteran's load. A proud graduate of Caloocan City Science High School — and now its youngest faculty member —Sipalay stands at the frontlines of public education, balancing teaching, training, clinic duty, and advisory responsibilities in a system that often demands more than it gives. 'Being a teacher is not your typical 9-to-5 job,' Sipalay said during a sit-down interview with GMA News Online. 'It doesn't stop at dismissal time. It follows you home.' On paper, Sipalay taught Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (DRRR) to Grade 12 students and core science subjects to Grade 11 ones. In reality, his job went far beyond the classroom. He trained campus journalists, served as a school clinician, implemented hygiene programs like WINS (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools), and managed an advisory class of 30 to 40 students. He begins his workday at 7 a.m. and officially ends at 2 p.m. — but as every teacher knows, the paperwork, lesson planning, grading, and counseling stretched far longer. 'Even after school, I check activities, organize paperwork, and make sure my advisory room is clean. It's almost like a 24/7 job. May (There is) checking pa ng (of) notebooks, group activities, individual outputs. May papeles na kailangang ayusin. Tapos may advisory class pa (There are papers to be finished. There there's my advisory class),' he said. 'Tinitingnan ko pa kung malinis ba 'yung room, kasi it reflects on me,' he added. (Then I always see to it that classroom is clean since it would reflect on me.) Despite the long hours, Sipalay said he had found ways to be productive. One habit he developed was maximizing his free periods. The systemic strain Sipalay is fully aware of the learning crisis plaguing the Philippines. A 2023 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that at least 18 million Filipinos were functionally illiterate—a statistic that hit him hard. 'Saddened ako,' he said. 'Even though hindi ko firsthand na-witness kasi science high school kami, alam ko kung gaano kahalaga ang literacy at numeracy. Basic skills 'yan. At kapag hindi natutunan sa basic ed, hahabulin mo 'yan habang buhay.' (Even though I didn't witness firsthand because I am from science high school, I know how important literacy and numeracy are. Those are basic skills, and if you don't learn them in basic education, you will go after them the rest of your life.) He traced the roots of the crisis to the pandemic-era mass promotion policy. 'Nung time ng pandemic, minass promote ang mga bata. Kaya ngayon, kami ang kailangang mag-adjust. Tinuturo ulit namin 'yung basics,' he explained. (During pandemic, the students were mass promoted. Now, we are adjusting. We teach again the basics.) To deal with learning gaps, Sipalay uses diagnostic tests and formative assessments. 'Para alam ko kung saan sila nahihirapan. At kung paano ko sila matutulungan,' he said. (So that I would know where they are having problems and how I can help them.) On classroom shortages and access Though his school has not experienced the kind of overcrowding many public schools face—thanks to its competitive entrance exam and relatively small student population—he knew the issue was real. National data showed over 150,000 classrooms were still lacking across the country. 'Sa amin, hindi ko pa na-experience firsthand,' he shared. 'Pero alam ko marami talagang kulang. Kaya nga may plano ang school namin na mag-expand, magdagdag ng building, classrooms, at lalo na ng laboratories.' (I didn't experience it firsthand. But I know there is a shortage. That's why our school has a plan to expand, add school buildings, classrooms and laboratories.) With more classrooms, the school could accept more students. And for Sipalay, that means more kids gaining access to quality science education. Teachers as shock absorbers Sipalay echoed a sentiment shared by many teachers: that they're often the ones who bear the brunt of systemic failures. 'Laging kami ang taga-salo. 'Pag may kulang sa system, sa resources, sa policies, kami ang nasisisi,' he said. 'Pero sa totoo lang, kami lang ang sumusunod. Hindi naman kami gumagawa ng policies. Kami lang ang nag-iimplement.' (We always get the blame. Whenever there is something lacking in the system, resources, we get the blame. But the truth is, we are the only ones who follow. We did not make the policies, we only implement them.) He pointed out that criticisms about the poor quality of education often failed to account for the difficult conditions in which teachers work. 'We improvise a lot,' he said. 'Minsan kulang ang gamit, minsan kulang ang oras. Pero kailangan magturo pa rin.' The weight of expectations With so many roles to fill and responsibilities to juggle, Sipalay admitted that burnout isn't uncommon. 'May mga time talaga na napapagod ako,' he said. 'Lalo na kapag sunod-sunod ang klase, walang pahinga. Nakaka-drain.' (There are times when I get tired ... especially when classes are consecutive, we have no rest. It's draining.) His way of coping? Revisiting his purpose. 'Bumabalik ako sa dahilan kung bakit ako nagtuturo,' he said. 'Para matulungan ko 'yung mga bata. Para maging functional sila. Responsible adults.' (I go back to why I am teaching. To help the children. For them to become functional, responsible adults.) He had never seriously considered quitting—not yet. 'Siguro kasi bago pa ako,' he said with a smile. 'Pero sa ngayon, gusto ko pa talaga. Na-eenjoy ko 'yung pagtuturo.' (Maybe because I'm still a newbie. But for now, I enjoy teaching.) Bridging generations Sipalay is not just a teacher at Caloocan Science — he is also an alumnus. For him, returning to teach where he studied is a form of giving back. 'Homecoming talaga,' he said. 'Nandito pa 'yung ibang teachers ko noon. Ngayon, co-teachers ko na sila.' (It's a homecoming. My former teachers are still here. Now, they are my co-teachers.) It wasn't without challenges. Being the youngest in the faculty meant adjusting to a different dynamic. 'May generation gap. Mahirap minsan maki-connect,' he admitted. 'Pero okay naman. Na-adjust din.' (There is a generation gap, sometimes it's hard to connect. But it's okay, I've adjusted.) His age, however, gives him a unique advantage in connecting with students. 'Kasi halos magkakaedad lang kami. Alam ko 'yung mga trends nila, kung ano 'yung mga pinagkakaabalahan nila. Nakakatulong din sa pagtuturo.' (We're almost of the same age. I know their trends, what they're busy with. Those things help in teaching.) He remains conscious of keeping his teaching methods updated. 'Hindi na pwede puro traditional. Nagbabago ang mundo, kailangan sumabay. Ginagamit ko 'yung innovations na natutunan ko sa college.' (You don't have to be always traditional. The world is changing, we need to go along. I use the innovations learned in college.) A message to policymakers If given the chance to speak to DepEd or lawmakers, Sipalay's request would be clear — support the teachers. 'Support us through training, workshops, refresher courses. Equip us to keep up with changes in the classroom,' he said. He also emphasized the need for resources—from laboratory tools to e-libraries, and computers. 'Kailangan talaga ng materials. Makakatulong 'yan sa students indirectly,' he explained. (We need the materials. These would help the students indirectly.) He welcomed proposals to incentivize teachers with extra loads or to hire non-teaching staff to help with paperwork. 'Kapag nabawasan ang non-teaching load, makakapag-focus kami sa pagtuturo—which is the main job,' he said. (If non-teaching loads will be reduced, we can focus more on teaching, which is our main job.) The class of 2025 As he prepared to send off his Grade 12 advisory class—his first batch—Sipalay grew sentimental. 'Chine-cherish ko talaga bawat araw,' he said. 'Alam kong someday, when I look back, gusto ko fulfilled ako. Kasi alam ko, ginawa ko ang gusto ko.' (I always cherish our everyday experience. I know that someday when I look back, I will be fulfilled, knowing that I did what I want.) Their struggles were his struggles, too. Having recently gone through college himself, he understood their fears, their anxieties, their dreams. That closeness, he believed, made him a better guide. 'Alam ko 'yung frustration nila. At gusto ko tulungan sila lampasan 'yun,' he said. A calling, not just a job For Dan Laurenz Sipalay, teaching is more than a profession. It's a mission. A duty. A form of nation-building. 'The reality on the ground is far from what's on paper,' he said. 'Teachers improvise, adjust, and go beyond—not just because we're told to, but because we care.' And so, each morning at seven, he showed up. Because for Teacher Dan, and for thousands of teachers like him—this was never just a job. It was a choice to stay, to serve, and to believe. In classrooms where names blur, where supplies run out, and where policies often fall short, he remained—young, hopeful, and determined. And that, perhaps, is where true education begins. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH waiting for US decision on tariffs
The Philippines is awaiting the United States' decision on its plea for the latter to lower the tariff rates on Philippine goods. In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said that there would be 'really no second round (dialogue) for us.' Last month, Roque, along with Economic Affairs Adviser Frederick Go and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and tackled 'mutually beneficial ways to strengthen the bilateral relations' amid the 17% tariff rate imposed by the US. The trade dialogue was held within the 90-day suspension of US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff policy. The suspension will expire on July 8. 'Everything is a wait-and-see until they put it out… But we don't know what the outcome will be when they give us the verdict,' Roque said. The Department of Trade and Industry chief, however, expressed confidence that the US will give a favorable decision on the Philippines' tariff plea, 'which is lower than 17%.' Trump had earlier expressed willingness to extend the suspension of his reciprocal tariff policy for countries with ongoing trade talks with the US. 'Actually, I've heard that also, and that was what was told to us also, that there might be an extension. But, again, there's no [confirmation] yet,' Roque said. 'For now, the tariff is at 10%, which is lower than 17%. So, even with the extension, I feel we should be okay. Yeah, favorable for us because 10%. But, of course, if we really get the tariff lower than 10%, why not? But, again, everything is under negotiation,' she said. Trump in April announced a sweeping reciprocal tariff policy on its trading partners, including the Philippines, which would be facing a 17% tariff on its exports to the US. Although it is the lowest among its Southeast Asian peers, still the Philippine government sent a delegation to Washington to seek dialogue with US officials. Trump had argued that the trading relationship between the US and its trading partners has become 'highly unbalanced,' thus the higher tariffs would be targeted on countries that have significant trade imbalances with America. In other words, the US leader is trying to level the playing field for American industries by 'reciprocating' what other states are charging them for the goods they are selling in their countries. Data from the USTR showed that the US goods trade deficit with the Philippines stood at $4.9 billion in 2024, up 21.8% from 2023. US total goods trade with the Philippines amounted to about $23.5 billion in 2024, with American goods exports to the Philippines amounting to $9.3 billion, up 0.4%, while goods imports totaled $14.2 billion. The US is the Philippines' top destination for its goods in 2024 at $58.7 billion, accounting for a lion's share, or 80.2%, of the top 10 nations where it exports, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Filipinos until next year
Filipino travelers can continue to enjoy visa-free access to Taiwan for another year, following an announcement by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung during the Philippine Independence Day celebration hosted by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei. The extension, the minister said, is part of Taiwan's efforts to foster stronger people-to-people connections and enhance overall bilateral relations with the Philippines. An official statement from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the extension is expected to be released on Monday, June 16. In 2023, Taiwan welcomed around 415,000 Filipino tourists, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. The island nation is also home to an estimated 160,000 Filipino migrant workers. The continuation of the visa-free policy is seen as a boost to tourism and cultural exchange, reaffirming the close ties between the Filipino and Taiwanese people.
